Low/High side switches - suggestion needed

Thread Starter

domotorm

Joined Sep 20, 2013
2
Hello guys,

I am working on a testing device, and one of its functions would be to short circuit each data signal(of the external tested device) to ground for up to 1 minute.

I was thinking about using intelligent low or high sided switches instead of the usual MOSFETs. The reason would be that with these switches I would use only one IC, but in case of the MOSFETS I would also need an extra IC as driver.

I've found some suitable switches, for example:
- http://docs-europe.electrocomponents.com/webdocs/1074/0900766b81074102.pdf
- http://www.infineon.com/dgdl/BTS428...fileId=db3a30431936bc4b011960b3910b2c51&ack=t

Did any of you have any experience with these devices? Would they be suitable for this application. I would appreciate some suggestions.

Remark: The short circuit current would not exceed the nominal current of the switches.

Thanks! :)
 

del_ee

Joined Sep 20, 2013
2
I haven't used these before but it looks like all they did was integrate the gate drive chip with the FET. I don't see why either of these wouldn't work, as long as you are within their operating limits (blocking voltage, load current, etc.).

It looks like both are compatible with CMOS logic for the driving input. If you are going to put the switch on the low side, you could also consider just using a FET with "Logic Level Gate" feature, in which case you might be able to do away with the gate driver altogether and run your logic directly to the gate of the FET. This option might be cheaper, but I haven't priced out the chips you mentioned to see how they compare with a regular FET.
 

Thread Starter

domotorm

Joined Sep 20, 2013
2
Thanks, finally I think I will use the switches. I also do not see any reason not to work. I will post after I start using them, to update. :)
 
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